T he House of Representatives has issued a stern warning to Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (retd.), the sole administrator of Rivers State, stating that he lacks the constitutional authority to enact laws for the state, even under the current emergency rule declared in March.
In a statement made to GLiDE NEWS on Sunday, the Deputy Spokesman of the House, Hon. Philip Agbese, said the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, is in consultations with House leadership to form a special committee tasked with overseeing the administrator’s activities and safeguarding the interests of Rivers State citizens.
“The Sole Administrator does not have the authority to carry out the National Assembly’s function of making laws under the current circumstances,” Agbese stated.
“If he exceeds his constitutional limits, the House will respond accordingly, including the option of a vote of no confidence.”
This development comes on the heels of Admiral Ibas’ announcement of plans to present a new 2025 budget for Rivers State. The budget, according to him, aims to fast-track investments in healthcare, education, social services, infrastructure, and job creation—sectors he described as urgent priorities for the state.
The emergency rule, declared by President Bola Tinubu in March, followed a bitter political crisis between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the now-suspended Rivers State House of Assembly. Both the governor and the legislature were suspended for an initial six-month period, and Admiral Ibas was appointed to steer the state’s affairs during the interim.
While receiving a delegation from the Rivers State National Assembly caucus, Admiral Ibas defended his plans, stating:
“We acted swiftly to design a new budget that reflects our commitment to the people. It’s inclusive, transparent, and focused on delivering impact in agriculture, technology, and infrastructure.”
However, the House of Representatives maintains that budget formulation and lawmaking remain the prerogative of constitutionally recognized institutions, and warned against any attempt to usurp legislative powers.
Amid growing calls for constitutional clarity and democratic accountability, political observers say the unfolding developments in Rivers State will be a litmus test for the Tinubu administration’s handling of political crises at the subnational level.
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